garden

For so many of us in the world of design, any new project emanating from the office of architect Gil Schafer elicits a sense of excitement. His classic American style is the perfect bridge between past and present – rooted in history, with a timeless sense of scale and proportion, yet effortlessly translated for comfortable modern living.…

Tuesday night at the Mandarin Oriental in New York marked the New York Botanical Garden‘s Orchid Dinner 2015. One of my favorite annual events, organized by media sponsor Veranda Magazine, it is always a treat to see the creative designer tables fashioned with unusual orchid centerpieces. …

I had been a fan of Frances Palmer and her beautiful ceramics long before I started this blog. Her distinctive and artistic take on vases, pots and other vessels attracted me along with legions of early admirers. Trained as an art historian, Frances found her passion in working with her hands, first as a printmaker and ultimately as a potter.…

Not only does Trudy Dujardin create beautiful serene settings in which to live but healthy and environmentally conscious ones. “My dream is for all of us to live lightly on the earth, surrounded by beauty and comfort, both inside and out.” Her eco-elegant style informs all her choices, from paint and fabrics to furniture fillings and air quality.…

It’s impossible to visit Alex Papachristidis at his country home without wanting to move in. And you wouldn’t be alone. His large family is close and inseparable. So inseparable in fact that eight of them all share their impossibly chic residence in the Hamptons, which Susanna Salk and I were delighted to recently visit.…

Less than two years ago, Aerin Lauder expanded her focus beyond her role at Estée Lauder to launch her eponymous lifestyle label and since then has continued to evolve and expand the brand. While debuting with a cosmetic collection, the company now includes fashion, fabrics, furniture, lighting and tabletop.…

Every year the word spreads wider. La Cienega Legends 2014 was hopping with packed standing-room-only venues for all three days. And with good reason. There is definitely something special about the design community in Los Angeles. The charming indoor/outdoor setting enhanced by the Southern California climate is certainly alluring.…

As the new May/ June Veranda Magazine is about to hit mailboxes and newsstands, I was delighted to recently meet with editor-in-chief Clinton Smith to discuss not only the beautiful new issue but also where Veranda is heading under his auspices.…

March went out like a lion not just in terms of the weather but also with the intensity of the design calendar. With so many events on the horizon, I’m feeling the pressure to share all that I’ve seen lately before I’m overwhelmed with even more!…

Chic and unique is the moniker for the always fabulous finds at the Stamford Antique & Artisan Center. As they’ve been adding great design events to their calendar (see the marvelous treats they pulled together for their first ever holiday boutique), this week marks the opening of their 2nd Annual Garden Show.…

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Bringing you the best in lifestyle from interiors and fashion to art, architecture and more. With fresh original content and photos, Quintessence is a destination for those who want the story behind the style. Learn more about the blog and founder here.